Rukungiri Creditors Demand Shs190m From Presidential Aide Peace Rugambwa

A group of business owners, former employees, and local residents in Rukungiri District have publicly demanded that Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture and Local People, Ms Peace Rugambwa, clear over Shs190 million in unpaid arrears. The debts were reportedly accumulated between 2019 and 2021 through her organization, the Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire Group.

During a press conference held at Rukungiri Inn Hotel, the affected individuals stated that the long-overdue payments have caused severe financial distress, business closures, and threats of asset seizure. Mr Edward Tumusiime, proprietor of Burama Vocational Training Institute, said he is owed Shs165 million after training 220 students under a sponsorship arrangement that was supposed to be cleared through Gen Salim Saleh. He noted that financial institutions are now threatening to attach his property over loans he took to sustain the institute.

Other complainants include Ms Dinah Kyarimpa, a former secretary who is demanding Shs8.1 million in unpaid salary arrears, and Mr Chrysostom Byaruhanga Rwakaana, the Rukungiri District Business Community Chairperson, who claims Shs10.8 million in accumulated rental arrears for two rooms occupied by Ms Rugambwa along Kinyasano Road for three years.

Additionally, former group vice chairperson Mr Moses Rwakakyaka accused Ms Rugambwa of collecting non-refundable membership fees of Shs12,000 from thousands of vulnerable residents with unfulfilled promises of livestock and household items before relocating from the district.

In her defense, Ms Rugambwa dismissed the accusations as a targeted campaign meant to damage her reputation. She maintained that the collected funds were official membership fees and stated that arrangements are underway to distribute the promised items. Affected community members have appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to intervene and help resolve the financial crisis.

Read the full story on Daily Monitor.